Sarah Martinez watched her 8-year-old daughter Emma struggle at the edge of the pool, tears streaming down her face. Emma had been on the waiting list for swim lessons at the Ithaca YMCA for six months. “I just want to learn to swim like my friends,” Emma whispered to her mom.
Sarah wasn’t alone in her frustration. Hundreds of families across Tompkins County face the same challenge every year. The YMCA’s aging pool simply couldn’t accommodate everyone who needed lessons, therapy sessions, or safe swimming access.
But that’s about to change dramatically. The Ithaca YMCA just secured a massive $6.3 million state grant that will transform how families like the Martinez family access swimming and water safety programs in their community.
Game-Changing Funding Arrives for Community Swimming
The YMCA pool grant represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Tompkins County’s recreational history. Through New York’s NY SWIMS initiative, the state is covering 80% of a comprehensive $7.7 million aquatics renovation project.
“This grant changes everything for our community,” said Jennifer Walsh, executive director of the Ithaca YMCA. “We’ve been turning away families for years simply because we didn’t have enough pool space or the right facilities for everyone’s needs.”
The current pool dates back to 1984 and shows its age. Equipment breakdowns happen regularly, and the facility lacks modern accessibility features that many community members desperately need.
But the renovation goes far beyond just fixing what’s broken. The project will completely reimagine how the YMCA serves its community through aquatic programs.
What’s Actually Getting Built
The YMCA pool grant will fund several major improvements that address different community needs:
- Brand new zero-depth entry pool – Perfect for young children, seniors, and people with mobility challenges
- Complete renovation of the existing 1984 pool – New equipment, updated systems, and improved efficiency
- Upgraded locker rooms – Modern, accessible facilities for all users
- New hydrotherapy spa – Specialized equipment for rehabilitation and wellness programs
- Enhanced accessibility features – Meeting current ADA standards throughout the facility
The zero-depth entry pool represents a particularly exciting addition. Unlike traditional pools that start at several feet deep, this design allows people to walk gradually into deeper water, making it ideal for adaptive swimming programs and nervous beginners.
“We’re not just adding square footage,” explained Mike Chen, the YMCA’s aquatics director. “We’re creating spaces that serve people who’ve never had access before – kids with disabilities, elderly community members, anyone who needs specialized support in the water.”
| Project Component | Timeline | Primary Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-depth entry pool | Summer 2026 – Fall 2027 | Youth programs, adaptive swimming |
| Existing pool renovation | Fall 2026 – Summer 2027 | Lap swimmers, general public |
| Locker room upgrades | Spring 2027 | All facility users |
| Hydrotherapy spa | Fall 2027 | Physical therapy patients |
Real Impact on Families and Community Health
The numbers tell a powerful story about unmet demand in the community. Last year alone, the Ithaca YMCA provided swim lessons to 11,000 people – and still maintained a waiting list throughout most months.
That waiting list isn’t just an inconvenience. For many families, it represents a genuine safety concern. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for children, and swimming skills can literally save lives.
“Every family on our waiting list represents someone who wants to learn water safety,” Walsh noted. “Parents lose sleep worrying about their kids around water when they haven’t had proper instruction.”
The expanded facility will more than double the YMCA’s capacity for swimming instruction and therapeutic programs. Local physical therapy practices have already expressed interest in partnering for the hydrotherapy programs.
Dr. Amanda Rodriguez, who runs a rehabilitation clinic in Ithaca, sees the potential immediately. “Water therapy is incredibly effective for joint problems, post-surgical recovery, and chronic pain management. Having this resource in our community will help so many patients.”
The economic benefits extend beyond just health outcomes. Construction will create temporary jobs, and the improved facility should attract more members and program participants from throughout the region.
Construction Timeline and Community Preparation
YMCA leadership expects construction to begin by late summer 2026, with the full project completion scheduled for December 2027. The phased approach means some portions of the facility will remain operational during construction.
The organization is already planning temporary solutions for current members and program participants. “We’re working with other local facilities and exploring outdoor options for the summer months,” Chen explained.
Fundraising efforts continue for the remaining $1.4 million needed to complete the project. The YMCA has launched a capital campaign targeting local businesses, foundations, and individual donors.
Community meetings will begin this spring to keep residents informed about construction timelines and temporary service arrangements. The YMCA plans to maintain as many programs as possible throughout the renovation period.
For families like the Martinez family, the wait will be worth it. Emma might be a few years older when the new pools open, but her younger brother will benefit from facilities designed specifically for beginning swimmers and adaptive programs.
“I keep telling Emma that when these new pools are finished, no kid in Ithaca will have to wait six months for swim lessons,” Sarah Martinez said. “That alone makes this project incredible for our whole community.”
FAQs
When will construction on the YMCA pool grant project begin?
Construction is expected to start by late summer 2026, with completion scheduled for December 2027.
Will the YMCA remain open during construction?
Yes, the YMCA plans to maintain operations with a phased construction approach, though some programs may be temporarily relocated.
How much of the project cost is covered by the grant?
The $6.3 million state grant covers 80% of the $7.7 million total project cost through New York’s NY SWIMS initiative.
What makes the new zero-depth entry pool special?
This design allows people to gradually walk into deeper water, making it perfect for young children, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges.
How many more people will the expanded facility serve?
The renovation will more than double the YMCA’s capacity for swimming lessons and therapeutic programs compared to current operations.
Can community members donate to help complete the project?
Yes, the YMCA is conducting a capital campaign to raise the remaining $1.4 million needed beyond the state grant funding.
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